U of MN Beef x Dairy Insights

Beef x Dairy Insights – Calf Development Track

Source: Melissa Runck, Extension Educator – Beef Production Systems, University of Minnesota Extension, (507) 372-3900 ext. 3904, mkrunck@umn.edu

With beef x dairy calf prices at record highs, every early-life calf management decision matters. Early-life management, including colostrum, nutrition, health protocols, and stress management, can have lasting effects on a calf’s health, performance, efficiency, and overall value. These topics and more will be discussed at the upcoming Beef x Dairy Insights: Calf Care & Early Management program, held July 21 and 22 in three Minnesota locations.

UMN Dairy Extension Specialist Dr. Brad Heins will present “Early Life Nutrition for Beef-on-Dairy Crossbred Calves,” highlighting the importance of high-quality colostrum and proper early-life nutrition and their impact on long-term health and feedlot performance in beef x dairy cattle. He will share current research showing why producers may need to rethink current feeding strategies and how early-life nutrition can be adjusted to better meet the growth potential of beef x dairy calves.

Dr. Joe Armstrong, Zoetis Technical Services Veterinarian, will present “Vaccines 201 and Vaccine Protocols,” focusing on practical health-management decisions that protect the value of beef x dairy calves. His presentation will address how colostrum, nutrition, environment, stress load, vaccine handling, and vaccination protocols all work together to reduce disease risk, avoid preventable treatment costs, and support calf performance from the dairy through the next stage of production.

Dates & Locations:

· Tuesday, July 21 – Stonehouse Supper Club, Pipestone

o Time: 7 – 9: p.m.

o Address: 123 West Main St W, Pipestone, MN

· Wednesday, July 22 – Greenwald Pub, Greenwald

o Time: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

· Wednesday, July 22 – Mr. Jim’s, Foley

o Time: 7 – 9 p.m.

Schedule for Pipestone Program:

· Social/Registration: 6:30 – 7 p.m.

· Dinner: 7 – 7:30 p.m.

· Presentations & Discussion: 7:30 – 9 p.m.

The University of Minnesota Extension Beef Team is expanding the Beef x Dairy Insights program into two producer-focused events in 2026. The July Calf Care & Early Management program is designed for dairy producers, calf growers, and others making decisions during the early stages of a beef x dairy calf’s life. A second program, Beef x Dairy Insights: Feedlot

Performance Track, will be offered later this fall and will focus on the economics, nutrition, health, and performance of weaned and backgrounded beef x dairy calves throughout the finishing phase.

UMN Extension invites all dairy producers, calf growers, and industry professionals involved in beef x dairy calf decision-making to attend a session in their area.

Please pre-register at the link below by Monday, July 20, or by calling the Worthington Regional Extension Office at 507-372-3900, ext. 3904. Thanks to support from the UMN Beef Industry partners and generous local sponsor support, this program is free to attend.

Registration link: z.umn.edu/2026BDICalfManagement or QR code:

Visit https://extension.umn.edu/animals-and-livestock/beef-production-minnesota for more information on the program.

For more information, contact Melissa Runck by phone at (507) 372-3900, ext. 3904, or by email at mkrunck@umn.edu.

University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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